Fake-a-Lake Question

[Kellnautiques22]

I usually have my boat ('01 Air Nautique) serviced by the dealer and it was serviced last year and we only used it once for a couple hours since then, so I've been told that it doesn't need to be serviced again so soon.

So, that being said I want to make sure batteries are charged and it'll run before I haul it two hours away to use.

I have a Fake-a-Lake and was all ready to use it, but when I laid down under the boat to find the water intake that the Fake-A-Lake is supposed to cover to cool the engine - there were two. One is left of the plug and the other is behind the plug to the right side (when you're sitting in the boat) Which one do I put the Fake-A-Lake on? Help!

Kelly

[east tx skier]

Look in your engine compartment and find your sea strainer. Follow the raw water hose from that to the through hull fitting and that's your answer. I think it's on the starboard side on the 196, but not sure about the 01 Air Nautique.

[Hlymons]

The extra one is for your balast. Check the valve on the right side of the engine (as you look to the back of the boat). The balest one is also more forward than the motor intake.

[AuMDLST]

Just start the boat - If you turn the key (or push buttons, newer) you will know if the batteries are charged before the trip.

[AirTool]

On mine, you can disconnect the kill lanyard....and still crank the boat without the fuel pump running nor the engine firing.

I was going to suggest the other night....to just charge the battery before you go. If it is more than a few years old...and you only have one, just get a new one installed and charge it. Batteries these days short out with not much notice.

AirTool

[east tx skier]

I turn on the blower for a second before I ever hook the boat up. They sound different depending on battery strength. At the very least, it tells me if the battery is dead as a doornail or not.

[schiffsnautique]

The best advice is to have an alternitve jump pack with about 850 or more peak amps in the boat. They vary in cost from about $100 or more, depending on what you want, but the security is well worth the money if you get stranded with a dead battery. Just plug the pack into 120 volt, let it charge, (better ones have a volt meter), and then keep it in the boat with you. I've been able to start a dead battery at the launch with the pack and no problems after shutting down to pick up a boarder.

[schiffsnautique]

Again, make sure that you run the blower and keep the engine bay closed before connecting the jump pack!!!!

[8122pbrainard]

Just start the boat - If you turn the key (or push buttons, newer) you will know if the batteries are charged before the trip.

I do not recommend starting without any water. It doesn't take long to burn up a RWP impeller. Also, depending on the amount of cranking it takes to start, it may take 5 minutes or more of running to recharge the amount of energy removed from the cranking. It doesn't take that long to hook up the water and you sure don't want to get to your destination whit a engine problem and or marginal batteries.

[AirTool]

Agree.

Also, I keep a trickle charger on and sometimes blast with the big charger between major trips. You should often drag the trailer by AutoZone and let them put the simple load tester on the battery to make sure it still functions like a battery should.

AirTool

[schiffsnautique]

Load testers are very cheap. Another option is goto Ovetons.com. They have various products that will let the battery only get below a certain voltage to offer you cranking amps to start the boat. Also, if you live in a colder cliamte remove the battery in the winter and store it inside.

[8122pbrainard]

Also, if you live in a colder cliamte remove the battery in the winter and store it inside.

Old wives tail!! I haven't removed my batteries from any of my boats in northern Wisconsin in 25 years!! I do disconnect them but they stay in the boats. The marinas in cold climates don't do it ether. Do you take your car battery out and bring it inside overnight?

[schiffsnautique]

actually, i've began to take my batteries out before a winter in nw pa. i started doing this after having a newer interstate battery in my mustang, that only sees dry, salt-free pavement, go dead and the cell was junk. maybe the battery was bad to begin wit,h but a little prevenative maintenance never hurt anyone. they were able to pro-rate the battery as with many other companies, but the hastle and getting mad when the engine won't crank aftre a lay up just isn't woth it to me. wives tale or not, just stating the facts in my case 8122

[AirTool]

[quote="8122pbrainard"]

Do you take your car battery out and bring it inside overnight?

Unrelated if the car is operated and battery charge topped off each day by the alternator. I believe the discussion is about sulfate accumulation due to non-use.

AirTool